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The Chicago Public Library is set to host the 26th annual Poetry Fest at the Harold Washington Library Center on April 26. The event, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., will include workshops, open mics, and presentations focused on poetry.
One of the highlights is the Haiku Fest Annual Awards Ceremony at 10 a.m. in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium. This program features live readings by young poets and essayists and includes performances by student artists and musicians.
At 11 a.m., "Poems While You Wait" will take place in the Grand Lobby. Founded by Dave Landsberger, Kathleen Rooney, and Eric Plattner, this collective provides spontaneous poetry experiences using manual typewriters.
Simultaneously, in the Reception Hall, "Poets Writing Chicago: A Reading and Discussion of Chicago as Poetic Inspiration" will feature five poets discussing their work related to life in Chicago. Featured poets include Jamie Wendt, Taylor Byas, Dina Elenbogen, Tara Betts, and Rocio Munoz.
Noel Quiñones will lead "Communal Poetry: How to Write a Group Poem" at 11 a.m. in Multipurpose Room B. Quiñones is known for his collaborative approach to poetry writing.
At noon in the Reception Hall, "Estamos Aquí: A Reading from the Chicago Poetry Center" will celebrate Latine voices with readings from Mayda del Valle, Noel Quiñones, and Maya Odim.
Patrycja Humienik will conduct "On Rivers: A Workshop" at noon in Multipurpose Room A. Participants will explore river-themed poems through reading and writing exercises.
An interactive session titled "Locked Achievements: Poetry, Incarceration, and Freedom," led by Elgin Bokari T. Smith with Stomping Grounds alumni contributions, will also occur at noon in Video Theater.
A session on becoming Chicago's next Poet Laureate is scheduled for 1 p.m., followed by workshops like "HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT: The Art of Blackout Poetry and Zine Making" led by Dr. Ellen Wade at Multipurpose Room A.
Madeline McConico and Sarah Peecher will facilitate an ekphrastic workshop titled "The Act of Seeing Yourself" at 1 p.m. in Multipurpose Room B.
Marcelo Hernandez Castillo is slated as the keynote speaker at 2 p.m., followed by an open mic hosted by Eros at 3 p.m., celebrating diverse artistic expressions.
Various vendors such as March/Abrazo and Sandmeyer's Bookstore will be present throughout the event.
